Oconostota was laid down as YT-375, 3 April 1944, by the Gulfport Boiler and Welding Works, Port Arthur, Tex.; redesignated YTW375, 15 May 1944; launched 22 May 1944; and placed in service 15 June 1944. In service for less than two years, Oconostota operated on the west coast until March 1946. She was then placed out of service and assigned to the San Diego C1roup, Pacific Reserve Fleet. Redesignated YTN-375 effective February 1962, she was transferred to the 11th Naval District, 18 May 1962. Activated, Oconostota was further transferred, on loan, to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography the following September. She has remained on loan to that institution into 1969.